Mahindra XUV 500, out now

Mahindra has launched yet another SUV... umm, make that an XUV. It's called XUV 500 and it launched at an entry price of Rs 10.8 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The SUV will be available in 2 options - front and all-wheel-drive, with the top variant W8 (with 4wd) retailing for Rs 12.88 lakh (again ex-showroom Delhi). It's powered by the 2.2-litre common rail diesel engine, the mHawk to be precise. And it's constucted on a very car-like monocoque platform. It makes 140bhp, and according to the ARAI will deliver 15kms to the litre.

The SUV has third-row seating, blower vents for the third row, hill-descent control, and safety features like ABS, ESP and airbags. We are still not sure of the looks, and those vertical door handles, but it does look more premium than the Scorpio. It also gets steering-mounted controls, leather seats, LED lights in the front and 17-inch wheels.